Building a Better World Through Business

Pitch Competition Entry Process

Undergraduate and graduate students from all schools and disciplines are invited to submit proposals for the “Rising to the Challenge: Ideas to Help Build a Better Baltimore” poster and pitch competition on March 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Students are asked to submit proposals responding to the following prompt: "Develop an initiative, service or product that contributes to Baltimore's economic and social well-being."

Prize money will be awarded to the top three pitches ($1,500, $1,000, and $500), as well as to the team that receives the People's Choice Award ($500). Students can enter the competition individually or form teams (up to four students).

Students participating in the pitch competition are encouraged to attend two workshops to receive training and guidance from faculty and professionals as to how to come up with an idea, how to prepare a poster that captures an idea and proposed solution, and how to successfully pitch/communicate your idea.

FAQ

How do I come up with an idea for my proposal?

Come to a design thinking workshop to learn how to research programs, identify a challenge, identify compelling needs, recognize opportunities, think through an innovative idea, brainstorm solutions, and develop a plan.

When is the proposal due?

Proposals are due by 6 p.m. on February 24, 2019. Please note that by submitting your proposal you are agreeing to participate in the pitch competition event.

When are the workshops?

Date

Time

Location

Workshop

Feb. 13, 2019

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Cohn Hall 133

Idea Generating Design Thinking Workshop
*In order to be competitive in the process, and receive hands-on guidance, attendance is highly recommended.

Timeline:

March 1 team leaders will hear from the proposal review committee regarding whether the proposal was accepted. If your proposal was accepted, you will be provided information on the poster requirements and judgement criteria for the pitch competition. You will be provided information on PitchCreator, an online tool to help your prepare and think through your pitch. You will also be provided the name of a mentor, should you/your team find an outside perspective helpful.

March 13 (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) there will be a mandatory workshop for teams advancing to the competition. At least one member of the team must attend. The focus of the workshop will be on communicating your idea, utilizing PitchCreator, and effectively capturing your idea on the poster.

March 21 (by 4 p.m.) teams will electronically send their poster via email (dluvison@loyola.edu). The poster should be no larger than 4 x 4.

March 27 is the pitch event. While the event is open to the public from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., student teams will need to be setup and prepared to pitch to the judges starting at 4:30pm.